High-Tension Power Lines & Cancer

A debate has been raging for years regarding electromagnetic radiation emitted by high-voltage power lines and the incidence of cancer. Although there have been a number of studies conducted on the topic, there is little upon which to conclude one way or the other.

What is EMR?

• Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is actually a general term and requires an understanding of the spectrum of electromagnetic energy (EME). The higher the electromagnetic frequency, the more harmful to humans it becomes. Infrared radiation has a very low frequency that is not visible to the human eye, and ultraviolet rays have a very high frequency that causes damage to human tissues.

EMR and Cancer

• It is well-known that many forms of electromagnet radiation, such as ultraviolet light, gamma rays and X-rays, cause considerable cellular and subcellular damage. The results are often cancers to the brain, skin and blood. However, not all parts of EME are harmful to humans.

EME and Power Lines

• Running electrons through a copper line generates a magnetic field. The voltage and amperage dictate the strength of the field. Power lines do generate EME in the form of a magnetic field.

EME Effects on Brain

• Studies conducted by the University of Chicago and the CIA showed that electromagnetic fields focused at specific areas of the brain resulted in auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations, confusion and even seizures. However, these effects have not been observed in any person living near power lines.

Short-Term Studies.

• The Environmental Protection Agency, along with numerous other agencies and private research firms, has extensively researched short-term EMR exposure effects on humans. The consensus appears to be that short-term exposure to strong magnetic fields generated by high-voltage power lines results in no adverse effects on humans.

Living Near Power Lines

• Because long-term EME exposure has not been studied well and those studies that exist are conflicting, it is generally recommended that people not live in proximity to high-voltage power lines or relay stations. Some studies indicate the causation of brain cancer and/or leukemia, while other studies indicate no adverse effects from long-term EME exposure.